Jasper White, a celebrated chef known for his mastery of New England cuisine, has passed away, according to close family friends.
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He died on Saturday, May 11, 2024, although further details about his death were not immediately available.
Lydia Shire, a fellow chef with whom White had collaborated at some of Boston’s top kitchens, including Jasper’s Restaurant, confirmed his death.
Another close colleague, Gordon Hamersley, also verified the news after speaking with members of White’s family.
Renowned for his expertise in New England culinary traditions, White made his mark on the Boston dining scene with the opening of Jasper’s Restaurant on the waterfront in 1983.
His culinary journey continued with the establishment of Jasper White’s Summer Shack in Cambridge in 2000, which later expanded to locations in Connecticut and Back Bay.
White’s innovative approach to New England classics, such as roasted lobster, earned him widespread acclaim.
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Before venturing into restaurant ownership, White honed his skills in renowned hotels across Boston, including the Copley Plaza, the Parker House, and the Bostonian.
He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1976, having previously worked in various culinary destinations across the United States.
In 1995, White made the decision to close Jasper’s Restaurant due to concerns about the impact of the Big Dig project on business.
Five years later, he introduced Summer Shack, offering a more relaxed and family-friendly dining experience while preserving the essence of New England clam shack cuisine.
Throughout his illustrious career, White received numerous accolades, including induction into the Massachusetts Restaurant Association Hall of Fame and the MenuMasters Hall of Fame.
He was honored with the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Northeast in 1991 and was nominated for Best New Restaurant for Summer Shack in 2001.
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